Donny Santistevan Jr., a 17-year-old senior at Questa High School, is charting a clear path toward a career in business management and accounting. The son of Santana and Donny Santistevan Sr., he has lived in Cerro his entire life and credits his family for instilling the values that drive him.

While he describes himself as initially quiet and reserved, family and friends say Santistevan is determined and outgoing once he forms a connection.

“Once you get to know me, I can be funny and can be a great friend,” he said. “I might look quiet but I’m actually a really outgoing person.”

Santistevan cites both of his parents as his biggest role models. He admires his father for being the “hardest-working man he knows,” and his mother for achieving her master’s degree and demonstrating the power of determination. “My mom has set the example of what success looks like and inspires me to be more like her.”

“My aunt, who has a disability, comes and stays with us once a week and my mom takes care of her. I have seen her do that my whole life and she takes care of all of us,” he said, highlighting his mother’s nurturing and caretaking abilities.

Santistevan has an older sister, who is just one year ahead of him and graduated in May of 2025, serving as a constant role model. “She gave me a glimpse into what high school would be like and now what I can expect for college.” He also shares a strong bond with his younger brother, Joel, who he drives to high school every day.

Santistevan remains tightly connected to his family, often spending time with them and his friends. He visits his paternal grandfather, Geno, at least three times a week. He recalls the passing of his paternal grandmother, Doris, as having a huge impact on him and his family.

A dedicated student, Santistevan is in the top three of his class and has been a member of the National Honor Society since the seventh grade. He currently tackles four challenging dual-enrollment courses at the University of New Mexico–Taos campus, taking both in-person and online classes. He’s been enrolled in college courses at UNM-Taos since he was a sophomore.

Beyond academics, he plays the trumpet for the school’s mariachi group. He began playing after the group needed a trumpet player and he volunteered to step up. Santistevan is also an avid soccer player, a sport he’s been playing for several years.

One of the highlights of his high school career was the group trip to Greece and Italy last summer. Santistevan noted that visiting the ancient Colosseum was the highlight of the trip for him. Traveling is not new to Santistevan and his family. They make it a point to travel to a new location every year, something Santistevan has grown to look forward to. “We went to Hawaii this summer with my aunt and cousins and had a great time.”

He also credits his Spanish teacher, Diane Léon, as having a profound impact on his life, consistently offering great advice and guidance. She tells me, “go after what you want.”

Although he loves his hometown, Santistevan is ready to explore a “new world” and plans to leave Cerro after graduation to pursue his college education and business career. He has a clear idea of the path he needs to take to achieve his future goals.
When offering advice to younger students and readers, Santistevan emphasizes perseverance: “Don’t let one bad day determine your future. And never lose sight of the people closest to you.”

Ultimately, his appreciation for family and quiet tenacity has fueled his determination for success. For Santistevan, growing up in a supportive environment that nurtured his qualities has ensured he will use the lessons learned in Questa to build a successful future for himself.